Maine high schools are invited to register for Poetry Out Loud, a nationwide program that encourages youth to learn about poetry through memorization and recitation while helping students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence and learn about their literary heritage.
In addition to providing a meaningful educational experience of poetry in written and spoken form, over $100,000 in awards is given to successful students and schools at the state and national level, including $20,000 awarded to the national champion.
Schools must register online with the Maine Arts Commission by November 7.
Immediately following registration, the school’s identified contact teacher will be sent this year’s program materials and teacher toolkits, which include the newly revised Poetry Out Loud 2016-2017 Teacher’s Guide.
Poetry Out Loud can take place in your school anytime between now and January 9, 2017, as the program does not require full class periods and can be completed in just two to three weeks; however, teachers are encouraged to consider making Poetry Out Loud a larger part of their school’s curriculum. Specific lesson plans are available here. In addition, an explanation of the alignment with both the National Council of Teachers of English Standards and Common Core State Standards is available here.
In 2015-16, nearly 10,000 students and 220 teachers from 45 high schools across Maine participated in Poetry Out Loud. The Maine Arts Commission has produced a short video highlighting the 2015 Maine State Finals.
Poetry Out Loud is organized by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation; it is administered at the state level by the Maine Arts Commission.
Please visit the Maine Arts Commission website to view a 2016-17 Poetry Out Loud timeline and to learn more. If you have questions contact Maine Arts Commission Director of Arts Education Argy Nestor at argy.nestor@maine.gov.